Too Soon for Sonny Bill - Folkes

Bulldogs coach Steve Folkes believes it's way too early for Sonny-Bill Williams to play international rugby league - but nobody told that to New Zealand selectors.

Williams is only a game away from capping a meteoric rise to test football, with Kiwi selector Tony Kemp confirming he was in contention for the game against Australia next week at Newcastle.

The 18-year-old has made only four first grade appearances - his fifth will be on tonight at WestpacTrust Stadium against the Warriors, who are coached by Kiwi coach Daniel Anderson.

Williams needs a solid performance against the Warriors to win a berth on the Kiwi bench for the clash with Australia.

"My personal opinion would be that it's too early," Folkes said.

"He still has a lot of learning to do and we have confidence in him doing that over time.

"But I think it would be a little unwise.

"I am not picking the team. I am not saying he wouldn't go out and do a good job.

"But they have plenty of good players in front of him at present."

Williams started the season in the centres, starring in the Bulldogs' opening round win over Parramatta stirring claims he could be the best player ever produced across the Tasman.

Bulldogs coach Steve Folkes has tried to keep a lid on the hype surrounding Williams but appears to be fighting a losing cause.

"He's a New Zealander," Kemp said.

"He's announced his allegiance to New Zealand. He's like any New Zealander in the NRL, he's under consideration."

Williams would among the youngest players, at 18 years and 264 days, to appear in a Test if selected by NZ.

The youngest was New Zealand's Dennis Williams, who made his debut against Australia in 1971 at 18 years and one day.

Meanwhile, Kemp refused to confirm English-based pair Robbie Paul and Lesley Vainikolo had been told they would play in the test.

Paul and Vainikolo, who play with Bradford in the English Super League, are reportedly ready to fly to Australia to join the squad.

"Robbie Paul and a couple of blokes are in the frame," Kemp said.

"But ... we (selectors) haven't had a meeting yet."

Anderson last year declined to consider players involved in Super League.

However, the Kiwis' lack of depth at five-eighth and fullback brought the classy Paul into contention.

Bulldogs winger Matt Utai is also on the outer with Anderson and Vainikolo is likely to partner Francis Meli on the wing.

"I can't describe how elated I was when I got the phone call," Paul said on Super League website.

"The last time I played was in 2002 and next Friday will be as special as the first time.

"It's been a tough time for me recently with injuries and I was just happy to get back playing for the Bulls.

"But to get a call-up for my country is awesome. One of the reasons why I became a player was to represent my country.

"I grew up watching Ellery Hanley, Wally Lewis and Mark Graham. They were my heroes for their respective countries, and ever since then I wanted to pull on the black and white jumper."